← Back to all guidesLinkedIn stores a detailed record of your professional network, messages, profile changes, and job activity. The export is one of the more practical ones because it includes CSV files that are easy to open in a spreadsheet. This guide explains what is inside, how to request it, and what to do with the archive after downloading.
What LinkedIn stores
- Connections and invite history
- Messages and attachments
- Profile changes and account info
- Saved jobs and job applications
- Search history
- Endorsements and recommendations
- Advertising and interest data
What formats you get
LinkedIn exports a mix of CSV, JSON, and sometimes HTML-like files. The CSV files are especially useful because they open cleanly in Excel or Google Sheets.
How to request the export
- Open LinkedIn and go to Settings & Privacy.
- Go to Data privacy.
- Choose Get a copy of your data.
- Select the data categories you want.
- Request the archive and wait for the email.
- Download the ZIP when it is ready.
What is inside the archive
- Connections.csv — your network list
- Messages/ — message history
- Profile.csv — profile and account details
- Jobs.csv — saved jobs and application activity
- Invitations.csv — sent and received invitations
What to do after downloading
- Open the CSV files in a spreadsheet and review your network
- Store the archive in a folder named linkedin-2026-04
- Keep a second copy off-site in encrypted cloud storage
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
Can I export my LinkedIn connections?
Yes, that is one of the most useful files in the export.
Does LinkedIn include messages?
Yes, message history is included when you request the full archive.
Can I open the data in Excel?
Yes, the CSV files are easy to open in Excel or Google Sheets.